English Translation of Chinese Poetry Shijing from the Perspective of Transcreation

Abstract

As a cornerstone of ancient Chinese literature, Shijing exemplifies the the rich linguistic features of Classical Chinese and reflects profound cultural traditions, which pose considerable challenges for cross-cultural translation. This study adopts the theoretical framework of transcreation and conducts a comparative analysis of English translations of selected Shijing poems by two representative translators: Xu Yuanchong and James Legge. Focusing on four key dimensions of meaning, sound, syntax, and rhetoric, the study explores the concrete application of transcreation strategies. The findings reveal that transcreation not only preserves the poetic essence of the original, but also enhances target readers’ receptivity, thereby facilitating the global dissemination of Chinese culture. This research offers methodological insights into the translation of classical texts and highlights the significant role of transcreation in intercultural dialogue.